Idiots guide to Carrots

[andy]

In the past year, i've developed this love of carrots that i haven't had in the past 42 years !!!!!! So i'd like to grow some in my new vegetable garden but i have no idea how to grow them.

I grew them 30 years ago when i was a kid....they like deep, stoneless soil as far as i can remember but something tells me they shouldn't have manure or much organic matter...is this correct ?

Also, i do plan to grow them in tubs as this might deter carrot fly ? I can also grow some of the smaller varieties in troughs.

So Chantenay seems a smallish root and there even seems to be one that is round...the same size and shape as an onion.

I also see carrot fly resistant ones....any good ?

I'd love to hear your stories and experiences and hopefully pass some hints and tips onto me (and others of course)

Thanks in advance

Andy

[Jasmine]

Carrots seem to grow very well in raised beds with fine but unmanured soil. I've read that carrot fly fly very low so miss carrots grown in raised beds. Whether this is true or not in 2 years of carrot growing carrot fly has not been a problem - shrews are another matter entirely - they are happy to climb.

[Jardack]

When I saw the thread title I thought it was going to be an idiots guide which would be great cos I can't grow the little blighters I would be like the guy that won the lottery and got a professional in to help him ;D

Good luck in growing some tho, will bookmark this thread for tips for next year!!

Jardack

[jean]

Good drainage and netting are essential. I've struggled to get decent carrots in the past and have had the whole crop ruined by carrot fly. Once they are sown, I keep them covered until they are harvested.

[carolann]

I tried the flyaway ones last year and still got the dreaded carrot fly but this year like Jean I have sown and covered mine with fleece and so far no sign of fly damage. We have just had some for our evening meal they where Autumn King 2 very tasty they where. I just pick them as they are wanted then re-cover with the fleece again. I highly recommend covering them with fleece if they are in a bed even if its raised its worked for me.

[Rosefriend]

I can't say that I have had so much luck with carrots but have never had the carrot fly as I put the tub between my onion tubs - the carrot fly doesn't like the onions and the onion fly doesn't like the carrot - rather a good trick methinks.

RF

[Dutchy]

;D very true and even cooked they are a good mix

[Tig]

I'm sticking to growing mine in tall sided containers (the old kerbside recycling box has been ideal) - too tall for the dreaded carrot fly to attack and in 'used' compost so they are clean as a whistle when you pull them